Gun group:Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon organizes a working group on firearms to explore different aspects of gun ownership, the State Journal-Register reports.

Leading legislators: One beneficial bi-product of their reduced numbers in the IL Senate is that all Republican senators will make additional money for holding leadership and committee positions, the State Journal-Register reports.

Pension regs: The Daily Herald's editorial boardsays Illinois should tighten pension forfeiture regulations, citing the case of a former Round Lake police officer convicted of a sex crime who is allowed to collect a pension.

Tow no: A former Chicago police officer-turned-informant becomes the 11th cop to be charged with extorting tow truck drivers, the Trib reports.